Paracord Survival Bracelet Instructions
PARACORD SURVIVAL BRACELET INSTRUCTIONS
Paracord is incredibly versatile and a useful item to have along on any adventure. Shoelace breaks? Replace with paracord! Belt buckle breaks? Use paracord to tie the ends together. Need a quick way to attach a water bottle or keychain to your pack? Make a paracord loop & knot! The list goes on.
Crafting DIY survival bracelets is a thoughtful way to gift something unique, allowing you to customize the size and color to fit the recipient perfectly. You can even fashion a new collar for your pet! Our DIY guide will teach you the cobra weave method to create your own bracelet. Mastering this technique opens up endless possibilities for crafting personalized gifts for your adventurous loved ones.
*Note: Small pet collars in matching kits will use the cobra weave method. Medium to extra large collars will use the ‘king cobra’ weave, which uses the same cobra knots repeated 2X along the length of the collar.
Included Materials
- 10 ft of 550 paracord
- You can use 10 ft of one color, or 5 ft each of two different colors
- 10 ft of cord is included in this kit. You’ll need 1 ft per inch of bracelet. The bracelet should be 1 inch longer than your wrist measurement. So if your wrist measures 7 in., you need 7+1 = 8 ft. of paracord.
- ⅝ in. survival bracelet buckle
Tools:
- Scissors
- Lighter
- Ruler
- Tape
Directions
1
Fold your 10 ft length of paracord in half.
- If using two colors, you’ll start by joining the ends of the two color cords together. Trim one end of each cord on an angle. Use a lighter to melt the angled ends. While still melted and hot, squeeze the melted ends together and hold them until they cool. Then fold near the join.
2
Thread the fold through the female side of the buckle.
3
Push the buckle through the loop of cord and pull the cord until tight.
4
Thread the loose ends through the male buckle piece. Be careful in this step to make sure the paracord strands do not twist or cross over each other.
5
Measure your wrist. To do this, slide your hand into the bracelet loop and pull the loose ends through until the loop is the size of your wrist. Wrap a piece of tape around the paracord to mark the end point.
Unbuckle the bracelet and lay it out beside a ruler. Your bracelet should be an inch longer than your wrist measurement. Slide the loose buckle down the cord until the bracelet is an inch longer than the length marked with tape. Measurement should include the buckle but not the teeth.
6
Lay your bracelet vertically, so the buckle piece with the loose ends is at the TOP.
If you’re using two colors, decide which color you want to be the PRIMARY color - this color will be on the inside of the weave pattern. If you’re using two colors, start making each knot with the PRIMARY color.
If you’re using a single color, start each knot on the opposite side. For example, if you begin with the strand on the right for your first knot, then start with the strand on your left for your second knot, right for your third knot, and so on.
7
Begin your first cobra knot. Cross the PRIMARY / SIDE 1 color over the middle two cords and place the SECONDARY / SIDE 2 color over it.
8
Bring the SECONDARY / SIDE 2 color behind the middle two cords and thread it up through the PRIMARY / SIDE 1 loop.
9
Before pulling this first knot tight, pinch the cords right at the base of the buckle to hold them in place so the length won’t change when you pull the cord tight. Then tighten your knot.
10
Remeasure your bracelet to make sure it’s still the correct length before moving on. If it’s off, untie the first knot, adjust the length, and repeat.
11
Repeat steps 7-9, but mirrored.
12
Continue this pattern until you reach the end of the bracelet.
13
Once you’ve reached the end of the bracelet, cut each end of paracord, leaving about ¼” tail.
14
Melt the ends of the paracord with a lighter, then squeeze the ends flat against the bracelet. This will prevent fraying and will keep the end from sliding loose.
15
Enjoy your bracelet!